On July 1, the Photoimmunotherapy Center was established in Kobe University Hospital, and on July 7, outpatient-only services began at the International Clinical Cancer Research Center in the aforementioned hospital in the Kobe Biomedical Innovation Cluster. Cancer photoimmunotherapy is a treatment method that binds photo absorbers to cancer cells and uses light irradiation to selectively destroy them. Currently, this treatment is covered by insurance for some head and neck cancers. While considering the safety and effectiveness of photoimmunotherapy, the Center performs research and development for applications in other medical fields.

The Kobe University Hospital International Clinical Cancer Research Center (ICCRC) also started outpatient Illuminox® services for head and neck cancers in July, and a press conference was held on July 29.

At the press conference, Masato Fujisawa, president of Kobe University stated, "Following the surgical support robot 'hinotori™', the School of Medicine is now attempting advanced treatments. Based on a joint collaboration agreement concluded on February 2021 by Kobe City, Rakuten Medical, and Kobe University, they are involved in research and development to expand the range of photoimmunotherapy and to train the doctors who will provide treatment. Kobe University will be primarily involved with the Photoimmunotherapy Center to promote new clinical applications, expand coverage by health insurance, and ensure safety."

Kenichi Nibu, director of the Photoimmunotherapy Center explained that "photoimmunotherapy is for patients with recurrent squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. It is a treatment method that binds photo absorbers to cancer cells and uses light irradiation to selectively destroy them." He continued, "In the future, we want to provide Illuminox® outpatient services (second opinion outpatient services) at the ICCRC, perform tests at the University Hospital, and establish a system for performing treatments at the ICCRC."

Tetsuo Ajiki, director of the International Clinical Cancer Research Center stated, "The purpose of the Photoimmunotherapy Center is also to promote developments at the Kobe Biomedical Innovation Cluster. The ICCRC can secure a sufficient number of rooms where the lights can be dimmed, and it matches the ICCRC's policy of aiming for minimally invasive cancer treatments. I think it is beneficial to move forward with this treatment."

Yoshimasa Maniwa, president of Kobe University Hospital stated, "Currently, this treatment is only used for the head and neck, but we think it will continue to be developed for use with other areas or alongside other anticancer drugs. Therefore, it is important to take a leadership position in promoting these kinds of treatments."

At the Kobe Biomedical Innovation Cluster, a joint agreement for research and development into new cancer treatments has been concluded by Kobe University, Rakuten Medical Japan, and Kobe City through the Illuminox® platform (technology platform based on photoimmunotherapy).

See below for details.
https://www.fbri-kobe.org/kbic/english/pressrelease/2021_03-17/